Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a safari cost?
The cost of a safari depends on a lot of things. Are you going during a peak time of the year or during the off-season? Do you prefer a more classic camp or a more luxurious camp with upgrades and exclusiveness? How long do you want to spend on safari? Which country do you want to visit?
Many camps and lodges offer long-stay discounts.
Peak season rates, on average, vary between $800 to $1,700 per person/per night with some higher-end properties reaching $3,000 per night.
Park fees are not included in the nightly rate which can run in excess of $100 per person/per day.
Many of my itineraries are between 9 and 12 nights with costs averaging $8,000 to $11,000 per person during peak season.
Green season rates can be up to 50% off peak season rates and you will still see amazing animals.
There are a lot of options to fit your budget.
How long should I go on safari?
I recommend a minimum of 7 nights on a safari, but ideally 10-12 nights. If you can afford to stay longer, you won’t be disappointed. Don’t fall into the trap of wanting to jump around between camps or lodges. Too often I have seen travelers spend two nights here, a night there, or another 2 nights somewhere else. You will get burned out quick and you may miss the wildlife you hope to see.
Stay a minimum of 3 nights at a camp. I prefer at least 4 nights.
SLOW things down.
Fall into the rhythm of the bush.
Less travel time switching camps = more time seeing wildlife.
When should I go on safari?
Click here to see our recommendations. There are exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year, giving you the flexibility to plan your first or next safari adventure. Do some research…
What animals fascinate you?
What safari activities do you want to do?
Cultural experiences?
Do you mind an afternoon storm or do you not want to see a drop of rain?
Where should I go on safari?
We send our clients to the following countries; Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Within those countries are a variety of parks, preserves, and other protected areas for wildlife. Where you go will depend on the following.
What wildlife do you hope to see?
What are the camp and lodge nightly rates?
What will the weather be like?
Are there any places that close during certain times of the year?
What areas are open year-round?
Is it safe to go on safari?
Oh, the dreaded disclaimer. There is no guarantee of your safety while on safari. The camps and lodges are not fenced in and wildlife can pass freely through camp. You will be in the presence of some of the worlds largest and potentially dangerous animals; the beauty and excitement of being immersed in the African wilderness.
That being said, great care is taken to ensure your safari experience is safe and stress-free whether in camp or out on safari activities. The most important person on your safari is your guide. Listen to them since they are exceptionally trained, understand wildlife behavior, and will not knowingly put you in harms way.
Is Africa a safe place?
Again, the dreaded disclaimer. There is no guarantee of your safety while traveling in Africa. Remember Africa is a continent with over 50 countries. It’s land mass is larger than that of the United States, China, India, and western Europe combined. It is unfortunate that unrest in one country, can taint the reputation of a peaceful country over a thousand miles away.
Safari areas are in remote locations away from large urban areas.
The people I have met during my travels have been amazing and friendly.
Visit the US State Department website for up-to-date information about security and safety concerns. I have often found warnings to be a bit overstated.
What vaccines or medicines do I need?
Sensing a theme here? Another disclaimer. First Light Safaris is not qualified to offer medical advice.
Visit a travel nurse (usually at your local health department) for medical advice on suggested and required medications or vaccines.
If you do not have access to a travel nurse, visit your doctor.
Visit the US State Department website for all the up-to-date information and vaccine requirements and recommendations of the country you wish to visit.
Do I need a Visa and Passport?
You will most definitely need a non-expired passport. As for a visa, most countries require one, but not all. Some require you to obtain it on-line before arrival. Others allow you to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival; though we recommend getting it online to quicken the customs process.
Visit the US State Department website for all the up-to-date information and requirements of the country you wish to visit.
What’s included in the price of a safari?
Accommodations
Meals and most drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Game viewing activities
Bush flights
Park fees and permits
What’s not included?
International flights
Optional activities
Trip Insurance
Visas
Items of a personal nature
Tipping
$30 to $40 per person per day
Half goes to the staff
Half goes to the guide
Clean, crisp, unblemished, US dollar bills is accepted everywhere
Do I need travel insurance?
The short answer is, “yes”. Most safari companies require you get it. It is recommended to get evacuation coverage of at least $500,000 as well as primary medical coverage (this means your travel insurance will cover initial costs up to a certain amount before hitting your personal insurance). There are a lot of companies out there that offer travel insurance.
Visit Travel Guard, Aardy, or Squaremouth to choose the best coverage for you.
Read the fine print.
Talk to an insurance representative for any questions.
Do I need trip cancellation insurance?
It is not required, but it would be a HUGE mistake not to get trip cancellation coverage with your travel insurance. You are investing quite a sum of money into a trip of a lifetime. Though safari companies have varying policies on cancellations and refunds, typically once the balance is paid, there are no refunds if you have to cancel. Deposits are up to 30% of the total cost of the safari and are non-refundable.
Visit Travel Guard, Aardy, or Squaremouth to choose the best coverage for you.
Read the fine print.
Talk to an insurance representative for any questions.
Traveling alone?
Traveling alone should not deter you from your safari dream. You will always be greeted upon arrival in-country and chauffeured about between camps and lodges. There’s not much to think or worry about while on safari. The planning and logistics are done before you even board your flight to Africa.
There is one difference traveling alone. It’s the cost. Since the camps and lodges offered by First Light Safaris are smaller, there is an additional charge for traveling alone that is called the single-supplement. This is because rates are based upon double occupancy. When booking a room as a single traveler, you are taking up an additional bed, thus a loss of profit to the company.
The costs though aren’t double the nightly rate.
Most safari companies waive the single-supplement fee during the off-season.
Bugs and snakes?
Another boring disclaimer - There are bugs and snakes in Africa. The vast majority are harmless. Your camp or lodge will be in remote and wild areas. There is tremendous biological diversity, including some amazing insects, butterflies, and reptiles.
From my experience, I have not had the presence of bugs or the sighting of a snake ruin my experience or cause me sleepless nights.
I’ve experienced far worse in areas of the United States.
If you have specific allergies or reactions to certain bug bites, you should visit a travel nurse or your doctor for medical advice.
What’s the food like?
Most people are surprised to find how great the food is while on safari. From traditional western dishes to local cuisine and everything in between, you will definitely not go hungry on safari. You may even leave Africa with an extra pound or two. Safari camps and lodges can accommodate a variety of dietary requirements without sacrificing flavor!
Is the water safe to drink?
The camps and lodges provide safe drinking water. These safari camps are remote and located in pristine areas, oftentimes with their own bore holes to access clean and refreshing water sources. Most of the reputable safari companies have moved away from providing water in plastic bottles. Some will even give you your own souvenir water bottle to keep filled. We also recommend bringing your own collapsible water bottle.